ATM Cave Tour from San Ignacio Actun Tunichil Muknal

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Step back in time with the legendary Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, named the #1 Sacred Cave in the world by National Geographic. On this full-day adventure from San Ignacio, trek jungle trails, cross rivers, and swim into underground passageways where history and nature meet. Guided by our expert, licensed guides, you’ll uncover glittering stalactites, ceremonial pottery, stone tools, and human remains, preserved in their original resting places for over a thousand years.

An unforgettable mix of adventure and culture, this journey uncovers the Maya’s sacred rituals — ideal for adventurers, history buffs, and families

Highlights

- Hike, cross rivers, and swim into the cave entrance

- See Maya artifacts and the Crystal Maiden skeleton

- Knowledgeable guides, small groups, and personal attention

- Transport, safety gear, hearty Belizean lunch, and all fees included

- Your booking supports local community focused programs in Belize

- Woman-owned local operator

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Not recommended for travelers with extreme fear of darkness, water, or heights

There is a height requirement of minimum 40 inches to do the tour

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Bottled water

Entrance fee

Hearty Belizean Lunch (Specify dietary restrictions)

Air-conditioned vehicle

Equipment for tour ( Lifevests, helmets, headlights)

Knowledgeable and professional Tour Guide

Alcoholic Beverages

Optional Gratuities to guides/drivers

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Cassia Hill Resort Belize

68 Mls George Price Highway San Ignacio Belize

Venus Hotel

29 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio Belize

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

18 Buena Vista St San Ignacio Belize

UpperWest Cabins

Mile 2 1/2 Benque Viejo Road San Ignacio Belize

Casa Blanca Guest House

10 Burns Ave., San Ignacio Belize

Cahal Pech Village Resort

Western Highway, Cahal Pech Hill San Ignacio Belize

Maya Bella Downtown Hotel

36 Burns Avenue San Ignacio Belize

Tropicool Hotel

30 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio Belize

What To Expect

San Ignacio

Begin your day with hotel pick-up in San Ignacio, the lively hub of western Belize. Meet your guide and set out on a scenic drive through the lush Cayo District. What to bring -Closed-toe shoes with solid grip (will get wet) -Swimsuit (worn under tshirt and shorts) – dress modestly -Socks (required for the dry chamber due to preservation) -Towel and full change of clothes (stays in vehicle) -Eco-friendly bug repellent and sunscreen -Reusable water bottle -Small dry bag or backpack (remains outside cave-Will get wet) Government-issued ID (can be digital) Light snacks (lunch provided around 1 PM) No cameras, phones, or electronics allowed inside the cave. This rule is strictly enforced by the Belize government for the protection of the cave.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Teakettle

Pass through the peaceful village of Teakettle, where your guide shares stories about local life and the history of this riverside community before continuing to Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Optional stop in teakettle for snacks upon request.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

ATM Cave Tour from San Ignacio Actun Tunichil Muknal

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Absolutely incredible...
Edmond S,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Absolutely incredible experience! Our guide, Akim, was both knowledgeable and a lot of fun. We loved learning about the history of the Mayan culture and the cave offerings, but the real thrill was the adventure itself — swimming through cave waters, crossing rivers, climbing rocks, and squeezing through tight passages. Truly unforgettable! The only downside, understandably, is that phones aren’t allowed — so you can’t capture the adventure on camera.
Unforgettable adventure with an amazing guide!
SuzanneB1731,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had an amazing day! I would recommend this tour to everyone. Our guide James was so kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about the Maya cave system. He took plenty of time to tell us about the ideology, geology, and archaeology. We learned a lot, which really helped us understand what we were looking at. There were a few challenging parts, but everything was very doable. Truly an adventure!
Unforgettable Experience – The Highlight of Our Travels!
Alicja S,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We travel a lot, but the ATM Cave tour was truly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. The cave itself is absolutely fascinating, but what made it truly exceptional was our guide, Gissell. She was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about the history and preservation of the site. Her clear instructions and thoughtful guidance made us feel completely safe and allowed us to fully enjoy the adventure. If you’re in Belize, don’t miss this tour — and if you can, ask for Gissell. She made this experience absolutely perfect.